The Millionaire

"Good morning Mike."

Xiang Ling sat beside Mike, while he was eating breakfast and reading some manga on his iPad.

"Hiya."

"Are you working today?"

"Yes, but I don't need to go in. I'm trying to make an early start so I can knock off sooner and have a break before band practice."

That's why you're lounging around reading manga then?"

"Fair point. I was about to move, honest."

"I'll leave our talk till you are finished then. I've got some things to do too. I'll go apply for my learners permit. Do you think I would be safe enough learning with a driving school or would you like to teach me?"

"I thought you already taught yourself to drive?"

"That was with the old body. It really shouldn't take long."

"Fine, I can do it."

"Thanks. I'm going out now, see you this afternoon."

"Take care."

Mike knuckled down to do some work for ImagineSoft until he was interrupted by an unexpected caller. Danielle was at the door.

"This is a surprise, you're a bit early for band practice."

"I know, I just wanted to talk to you."

"I'm supposed to be working for your company at the moment."

"I don't care about that. I've got some news. I'm quitting ImagineSoft."

"You're leaving the CFO role?"

"Not just that. With the success of the latest game, Rebecca can afford to buy me out. So I'm cutting all ties with ImagineSoft and Rebecca."

"That's a big change for you, what will you do next?"

"The point is, I don't have to do anything. The amount of money we're talking about here would set me up for life."

"Still, you will want to do something with your time."

"I intend to go all in on Girlfriend In Your Luggage. It doesn't have to make money, I just want to take it as far as we can. I gave up so much to be with Rebecca and start the company. I let my bandmates down just as we were starting to take off."

"It was killing me inside still seeing Rebecca in the office. I was just wasting time hanging on. It's a huge relief to finally let it all go. I want to take back what I gave up."

"Well that's okay for some, I still need my day job. The studio doesn't bring in much extra income. I can't go full time on the band."

"I understand that, Linda has to keep doing her session work too."

"I just hope the band doesn't let you down."

"I trust you and Xiang Ling. So rely on me more."

"Well now that you have some time on your hands, how about taking over the band's social media. I haven't been able to give it the attention it needs. It needn't be too onerous."

"Yes, that's something I can definitely handle for us."

"It's a deal."

Mike sent Danielle all the account details and passwords.

"Where is Xiang Ling today?"

"She's out getting her drivers learners permit."

"Oh, I thought she already had some experience with cars..."

"So she told you about the car collision she caused?"

"Yes. I amazed you could forgive her."

"She was actually very competent driving with her old body. I'm supposed to teach her, but it will only amount to sitting in the passenger seat. She's just getting a license for ID purposes. She needs a TFN to manage the tax on her investments."

"So she's building up an identity?"

"That's the idea. Once she's done, it will be almost impossible to prove she doesn't exist. As long as she avoids body scanners and medicals scans, she should be able to live a normal life."

"It's a pity she's not here, we could have had a discussion about the band image for the social media presence."

"I'm still supposed to be working now."

"Oh fuck Rebecca and ImagineSoft."

"I don't want to get fired."

"She won't fire you. As long as those servers keep running, she doesn't care how much time you actually put in."

"Sigh. If you hang around she should be back soon."

"Okay."

"It's almost time for a lunch break anyway."

"Now you're talking!"

"Please temper your excitement, it's just sandwiches."

Danielle pouted. Mike entered the kitchen and started fixing them some sandwiches.

"You know that anime music festival you mentioned, there is also a full on otaku convention a bit later in the year, Melbourne Animaga," Danielle said.

"Oh I haven't been keeping track of such things. It's been a while since I felt young enough to show my face at one of those events."

"The thing is, they have a rock band night and an idol stage. Should draw big crowds. It would be cool if we could get on the bill. I can look into it for us if you like."

"That sounds great."

"With that in mind, I think we should come up with a band cosplay for the event."

"That ties into our band image and social media of course."

"Exactly."

Mike handed Danielle her sandwich on a plate.

"Hey, this is actually good. What is the bread?"

"Rye."

"I should know better than to ask, but did you bake it?"

"Yes, but I used a bread machine."

"This is actually a gourmet salad sandwich. What have we got, beetroot, tomato, onion, carrot, lettuce, pepper and olive oil."

"That's about it."

Xiang Ling returned home.

"Hi Danielle, you're early for band practice today."

"I had some things to talk about with Mike and I didn't want to waste rehearsal time."

"How did you get on?" Mike enquired.

"Permit acquired."

"Since I decided to make myself 25, I can take the drivers test in 3 month time, no hours log book required."

"Danielle has an announcement to make."

"I've quit at ImagineSoft. So I can do band stuff full time now. To start with I'm going to manage the band social media and web presence."

"Will you be okay for income?" Xiang Ling sounded concerned.

"Rebecca is going to buy out my share of the company. I'll be a woman of independent means."

"That's great, you really want to commit to us full time?"

"I'm determined to do now, what I couldn't do back then with my university band. I want to discuss some band stuff with you both. I'm thinking we should try and perform at Animaga as well as the anime music festival. I thought we should do a band cosplay, any ideas?"

"Well, Mike is the problem if we go with a girls band theme. If we go with 'Rock Is a Lady's Modesty', we could cross dress him as Tina. I think that would work," Xiang Ling suggested.

"I haven't seen that one. Can we watch some now?"

"Mike's supposed to be working."

"I've given up on that now." Mike sighed. "I think I can still stream it on HIDIVE."

Mike turned on the TV and booted up the Apple TV.

Danielle ended up getting engrossed in the series and they spent all afternoon watching.

"Now that was something. Those crazy bitches with their BDSM fantasies. Those girls are all in the closet."

"It's not an exact match for our band of course, since we have a vocalist."

"I like it. I can't stop myself from imagining Linda wearing a huge wig for that out there hair that Lilisa has. It's cracking me up."

"You would look great as Otoha with your hair as is, Danielle," Xiang Ling observed.

"True, but you are the drummer Xiang Ling. Tamaki the bass player looks cool, I'll just wear a wig. I think we can turn Mike into Tina without too much trouble. Are you up for it Mike?"

"Yes, I can suck it up for the sake of the band."

"Good man." Danielle laughed.

"Lilisa's gravity defying hair will need some real structural engineering though." Xiang Ling noted.

"Looks like we can get an Otoha wig and their school uniforms online." Danielle showed Xiang Ling on her phone. "Would we rather do their stage costumes though?"

"We also need to give some thought to what we will wear at ordinary gigs too, we won't be cosplaying at all gigs." Xiang Ling pointed out.

"We need to think about the whole image of the band. Are we still going to be doing that whole robot drummer thing now you have a new body?" Danielle asked.

"I have some ideas about that, we could mix things up a bit and use my old body on some songs to free me up to come forward on stage while singing. We can just drive it by MIDI."

"That sounds interesting, we can keep doing that whole joke about her jumping out of a flight case." Danielle enthused.

"I'm wondering if I can learn to play guitar for those songs that have twin guitars. I'm worried about my skin durability though. It's not easy to replace the skin because of all the sensors. I can't risk anything that will cause too much wear and tear. I'm wearing gloves to drum as it is."

"Look at the time! Linda will be here any second and I've got to start cooking." Mike complained.

"What are we having tonight?"

"Singapore noodles."

"Sounds yummy. I should get my bass out of the car."

"I'll open the garage door for you so you don't have to lug it up and down the stairs."

"I've got an idea about the guitar thing, I'll show you during band practice, Xiang Ling."

Linda arrived shortly after Danielle returned from fetching her bass. She noticed the garage door was open and went straight to the studio entrance with her guitar. She buzzed. Danielle, who was about to head up the spiral stairs, turned back and let Linda in.

"Hi Linda. Mike is upstairs cooking. I was just dropping off my bass before going up."

"Hi Danielle. Early as always."

"I'm never late for a feed."

Linda followed Danielle upstairs.

"Hi Mike, Xiang Ling."

"Welcome Linda, dinner won't be long. Did Danielle tell you her news?"

"No."

"I've quit my day job so I can go full time with the band."

"I thought you were just treating it as a garage band?"

"I don't need the band to make money, Linda. I just want it to be famous."

Mike served up three generous bowls of Singapore Noodles.

"Danielle is taking over the band socials. We were just discussing the image of the band before you arrived. There is a second anime event we might be able to perform at. How do you feel about performing in anime cosplay costumes?"

"Sounds like a fun idea. I'm okay with it."

"Don't agree too fast, Linda. You haven't seen the costumes yet." Danielle smirked.

"We were also talking about bringing back Robo Xiang Ling so I can move forward on the stage for some songs."

"Yes, well the robot drummer was part of the act at the start, I think it should be preserved in some manner," Linda said.

"Any one want some dessert?" Mike enquired.

"No, I think we're all too full of noodles. Let's get started." Danielle answered.

"Fine, we can have something for supper later, if you get hungry."

They all descended to the studio. The PS3 console was still set up from Xiang Ling's last Rock Band 3 drum practice session. Mike switched it on and pulled a slim guitar soft case out of a storage cupboard. He unzipped the case and took out a toy guitar game controller.

"Have a look at this Xiang Ling."

"It's a toy guitar, is it a game controller?"

"Yes, the Rock Band 3 Wireless Fender Mustang PRO-Guitar Controller. It has buttons on the fretboard and some short wire strings to strum. It can act as a MIDI controller as well as a Rock Band 3 game controller. It's a fun little gadget for learning guitar."

Mike whispered in Xiang Ling's ear, "You could play this with a pick and your thin gloves on."

"It's the same deal as the drums, there is a tutorial and song practice mode."

Xiang Ling donned some headphones and started practicing.

"I've got an idea let's have a game together later, once Xiang Ling has had some time to practice," Mike suggested.

Danielle had become interested in the guitar controller. "I haven't seen this before, I thought these games used those 5 button Guitar Hero style controllers."

"Rock Band 3 Pro Guitar, yes it was a thing. It has a Pro Bass play mode too, but you have to use the guitar controller, they never made a bass."

"Let's run through Don't Say Lazy with Danielle on vocals while Xiang Ling practices her guitar shredding."

"What's with Xiang Ling and the guitar?" Linda asked.

"Well some of our songs have two guitar parts. I've been faking the lead guitar on the keyboard using Artefact Guitar VST. If Xiang Ling learns guitar she could take over rhythm guitar and you could learn the lead. More stage presence than fake guitar tracks."

"I admire your confidence in us, but can Xiang Ling learn guitar just like that?"

"You might be surprised."

Mike queued up the drum track.

"Let's get on with Don't Say Lazy."

They gave the song a few run throughs and then paused while Linda worked on a section that was giving her trouble.

"What do you think of the guitar controller Xiang Ling?

"I've run through all the training. It's workable."

"That's good, we can get you something more professional of similar design, Starr Labs makes some nice button fretboard MIDI guitars. Hmm perhaps we could get the light up fretboard model, make the band look a bit more futuristic."

"Yes that's a good idea, Mike." Danielle agreed.

"Linda's Strat will look a bit antiquated next to that though."

"Have you ever tried a headless guitar like a Strandberg?" Mike asked.

"No, Just the Strat."

"Let's go instrument shopping some time and try a few things out."

"I just got my new bass though," Danielle objected.

"The Yamaha BBPH looks fairly modern compared to a Strat. I think it looks fine. Okay, it's game time. I love Rock Band 3. I've always wanted to play it more with friends, but I rarely had the chance."

Mike got another Mustang Pro Guitar controller out of storage.

"You can play bass on this, Danielle. Linda, you can sing. Xiang Ling can try the guitar and I'll play drums. Let's play Misery Business. How about a little bet on who gets the highest score?"

"What's the wager though?" Linda queried.

"Lowest score takes the band out to dinner." Danielle suggested.

"As long as we can eat in if I lose, I'll still cook."

"As long as it's a full four course meal with drinks."

Mike handed Linda wireless microphone and a game controller.

"Okay let's get going press the x button on your guitar or controller when you are ready."

The three women were having no difficulty with the game. Mike however was struggling to keep from failing.

"Come on Mike, don't give up." Danielle laughingly chided.

Mike finished up with 3 stars and the lowest score.

Xiang Ling, Danielle, and Linda had all turned in 5 star scores.

Xiang Ling and Danielle were within a few points of each other. Linda's score was slightly lower because she hadn't quite worked out how to activate overdrive.

"Mike, your drumming sucks so bad." Danielle teased. "I sure am looking forward to that fancy meal."

"I normally play bass in Rock Band 3, I was just giving my guests their strongest instruments to be fair." Mike attempted to excuse himself.

"I can't believe there was a music console game this good." Linda sounded surprised.

"It's a pity it wasn't as successful as they hoped. I guess it fell into the gap between being too hard for casual gamers and being sneered at by musicians. I try to keep the flame alive, but I don't run into many people who will play."

"Well, we can make it an after practice band tradition to play this. This is so much fun." Danielle enthused.

"You won't get any argument from me."

"It's a great practice tool for me, I'd be happy to play too." Xiang Ling seconded the idea.

"I'm in, it was a lot more fun than I thought." Linda agreed.

"Okay, who wants some supper before we call it a night?"

***

Xiang Ling finally had a chance to talk with Mike alone, now that the other two had left for the night.

"Mike, do you have some time before bed to show me some of those MIDI guitar controllers? I'd like to get moving on that as soon as possible."

"Sure."

Mike went over to the Mac Studio and pulled up the Starr Labs web page.

"The most guitar like controllers are the Z7S and the Z6S. They can be custom built with various options. Do you think you will need to do a lot of real time tweaking of synth sounds from the controller?"

"No, I'll be concentrating on traditional electric guitar sounds."

"I don't think we need to go overboard ordering a lot of custom knobs then."

"I think the Z7S looks more futuristic, Mike."

"I agree. I think it would be cool to get the illuminated fret board option. The lighting is controlled via MIDI."

"Yes definitely! I can imagine doing all sorts of cool things with it during a performance."

"The standard body colour is silver, we could get custom paint job to match Danielle's bass. I'll try and talk Linda into getting a red Strandberg guitar."

"Yes, red would be good."

"The only other two options of interest are the neck sensor strip and the 6 trigger pad option."

"I can see a use for the neck sensor strip. I don't think I'd use the triggers."

"Good, let's put a custom order in then to get things rolling. You might not get it before the Anime Music Festival, but it should be here in time for Animaga. For a backup plan maybe we could get a YouRock Guitar YRG-1000 Gen. 2 from E-Bay. We should get that a lot sooner."

"YouRock Guitar?"

"Oh right, I've got a Gen. 1 here, but I didn't show you because it has cross talk problems between the strings. They fixed the issue with the Gen. 2. Hang on I'll get it."

Mike pulled a cardboard box out of a storage locker.

"Here it is. It's compatible with Rock Band 3, so you can try it out. It's a similar concept to the Mustang controller except it has pressure sensors under raised silicone 'Strings', rather than buttons. I don't know which is easier on your hands."

Xiang Ling picked up the MIDI guitar. She felt the fake strings and frets.

"It shouldn't be a problem with my vinyl gloves on."

"I think the Gen. 1 works okay in Rock Band 3. You have to put it in a special mode. I think it has some cross talk rejection code, but it makes nuanced playing impossible."

Mike found the button combination to enable Rock Band 3 mode and hooked the guitar up to the PS3 for Xiang Ling. She started playing a song in practice mode.

"It works, but I think I prefer the fret board buttons of the Mustang controller. It does have 21 frets though, which is handy."

"Shall I try and get Gen. 2 for you? It might be handy to have a spare."

"Yes, it works well enough."

Mike quickly searched E-bay and found one for sale in Japan.

"Okay, I'll buy this one on E-Bay, It's from Japan. We should get it a lot sooner than the Ztar."

"Thanks for helping me out with this. It will be great to perform twin guitar songs with Linda."

"No worries, are we done?"

"Wait."

"Oh?"

"Have you thought anymore on what I told you in Tokyo?"

"Your confession?"

"Yes, that's what I'm asking about."

"Well, things have changed. You're a permanent resident in my house now. After all we went through, we're friends aren't we? I don't feel the slightest uncanny valley effect from your new body, but can you have a meaningful sexual relationship?"

"I don't know. I can touch, taste, and smell now. I want to hold you in my arms and feel your warmth. The muscles of my vagina are fully modelled. My coolant doubles as a lubricant and I can let some seep out. With some practice and training I'm sure I can be realistic for you."

"That's not exactly what I'm asking. How will it be for you?"

"I have no idea. I've got touch sensors in the relevant places. I've attempted to model some sort of reaction to the appropriate stimulation, but it's all untested. I've got it all dialled back a lot in case it causes trouble."

"So you'd like to test it with me then?"

Xiang Ling became flustered.

"I'd like to do some solo training, I don't want to embarrass myself."

"I can see that."

"You still haven't given me a straight response, you always answer with questions."

"What was the question again?"

"Will you go out with me. Can we start dating?"

"If you want an answer right now, it has to be no."

"Can I ask you for a reason?"

"I don't think I feel romantic love for you at the moment."

"But you might?"

"I didn't say that."

"But what are we going to do? I'm stuck living here because my servers are here. Won't it cramp your style, how do you explain it to a future partner?"

"You shouldn't just settle on me because it's convenient for you, Xiang Ling."

"Where will I find someone else I can trust like you? Who will believe me?"

"It's not impossible. Danielle believes you. You trust her right?"

Xiang Ling reluctantly agreed.

"Don't be in such an all fired hurry to experience everything all at once."

"I've pressured you, I'm sorry."

"You haven't had that new body very long. I got unused to seeing your avatar face. It's like meeting you again. It will take me a little time to shift gears."

"Can I have a hug?" Xiang Ling moved in close with arms outstretched. "We did at least this much in Tokyo."

"Okay." Mike embraced her. She was warm and soft. She felt very real.

"Can I stay like this for a little while?"

Mike grunted assent and the continued the embrace.

"That's enough, Oyasuminasai Xiang Ling."

Xiang Ling released him. "Goodnight Mike."

***

Xiang Ling joined Mike at the breakfast table. "What's the plan for today?" She enquired.

"I'm taking Linda guitar shopping to get that Strandberg."

"She's a big girl, can't she go by herself?"

"I figure I've got more chance of talking her into it in person."

"Fair enough then. Danielle is coming over later with some costumes to try on for Animaga. Will you bring Linda back here when you're done?"

"That's the plan."

"Can I tag along? We could do a driving lesson at the same time."

"Good idea, but Linda will probably throw a hissy fit. Someone should be here for Danielle anyway."

"Sorry, I forgot I'd need to let her in. You should give her a key."

"I don't know about giving her a key, I'm sure she'd get the wrong idea about that."

“Ha, ha, yes I bet she would."

"I'd better get going, I'd like to get back for Danielle as soon as possible."

"Itte modotte kite kudasai." (Please go and come back.)

"Yeah, yeah, see you later." Mike smiled.